Suspicious envelope prompts Durham City Hall evacuation. A look at what happened

Crime scene tape blocks access to the Mangum Street entrance to Durham City Hall Friday as police investigate report of a suspicious envelope on the second floor that prompted a brief evacuation. Virginia Bridgesvbridges@heraldsun.com

Crime scene tape blocks access to the Mangum Street entrance to Durham City Hall Friday as police investigate report of a suspicious envelope on the second floor that prompted a brief evacuation. Virginia Bridgesvbridges@heraldsun.com

DURHAM

Police re-opened City Hall for business Friday after evacuating people as a precaution for about 30 minutes in the morning while investigating a suspicious package found on the second floor.

The envelope was sent to City Manager Tom Bonfield, according to a city press release. Others were prevented from entering the building.

“The envelope tested negative for any hazardous materials and was removed from the building by police personnel,” the press release stated. “The envelope is being retained by police personnel for further testing.”

There was no threat to employees who handled the package and were in the building, it stated. Normal operations at City Hall resumed.